Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Makes me sad...

When H&R partnered with Federal to introduce the .32 H&R Magnum back in 1984, the cartridge was specifically designed to work with the Harrington & Richardson revolvers, which are not known for their vault-like strength. As a result, the SAAMI-specified maximum pressure for the chambering is 21,000 c.u.p., which is not terribly much more than .38 Spl +P and actually slightly less than .380 Auto. By comparison, the established "Magnum" cartridges (.357, .41, and .44) all operated at 35k+ c.u.p..

This left the .32 H&R a weak sister. Aftermarket companies could only hot-rod it so far before their attorneys started getting the vapors at the thought of someone grenading a cheapo H&R revolver and, as a result, the zippiest factory loadings you'll find will only shove a 100gr bullet at 1000-1100 feet-per-second.

The .327 gets past this with an entirely new case that is longer than the old one, but it would have been just as easy to develop a ".32 H&R Magnum +P" specification that would have worked just fine in existing Rugers and Smiths. This wouldn't have gotten Federal's name on a cartridge, though, and they wouldn't have been able to load it quite as hot with the heaviest bullets. Plus it wouldn't have sold a bunch of new guns.

At least if it doesn't catch on and the caliber dies, you'll still be able to shoot .32 S&W Long and .32 H&R Mag in the guns...

"...if it doesn't catch on and the caliber dies, you'll still be able to shoot .32 S&W Long and .32 H&R Mag in the guns..."

Kinda strange that the H&R Mag has lived as long as it has. I'm unaware of who's currently making any guns, if any, but despite that, always seeing a stack of that stuff at my usual haunts, both big and small. It appears to sell, albeit slowly.

I'll keep my Blackhawk in .30 Carbine just the same. Some of my handloads are a little on the spooky side (ok, some are downright scary), and the only thing I have to consistently do it keep the cases trimmed back.

Besides, can a .327 instantly kill all the mosquitoes in a 30 foot radius when you fire it? Didn't think so.

Regards,Rabbit.

wv- ringl; what your ears do when you touch off the Blackhawk on an indoor range.